Pakistan, WHO sign agreement to provide free cancer medication for children
The agreement marks Pakistan's inclusion in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GCCM), a WHO-led initiative to expand access to life-saving cancer treatments for children in low- and middle-income countries.
Pakistan Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced that under this agreement, Pakistan will receive essential cancer medicines every year, benefitting approximately 8,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer annually in the country.
'The goal is simple but profound to save lives,' Kamal said. 'Currently, the survival rate for children with cancer in our region stands at just 30 percent. Through this agreement, we aim to increase that to 60 percent by ensuring timely access to quality treatment.'
Around 8,000 new pediatric cases are reported each year but less than half receive timely diagnosis or treatment due to limited access to pediatric oncology centers, according to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).
The overall mortality rate for those diagnosed remains alarmingly high and survival rates hover around 10–30 percent, compared to over 80 percent in high-income countries.
Kamal shared the WHO will provide technical and operational support for the initiative, while United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will take on the responsibility of procuring and supplying the medicines to Pakistan, appreciating both organizations and all partners for their support and commitment.
'Today is a big day for Pakistan. We are not just recipients; we are partners in global efforts to ensure that no child suffers or dies from a treatable disease,' he said.
'I thank WHO, UNICEF, the GCCM, and all our partner organizations. Our dream is a healthier society, and that begins with the health of our mothers and children.'
On the occasion, WHO representative Dr. Dapeng Luo said no child affected by cancer should die because of lack of access to treatment, including quality-assured medicines.
'WHO will work side by side with the Ministry of Health and partners to save lives and leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are,' Luo said.
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